Homemade American Cheese!!

Oh my gosh, I made American Cheese and it was so easy!!  I see you shaking your head in disbelief.  I, too, was an unbeliever - HA!!  Wait to you see how simple this is!! You don't have to be a rocket scientist to make this and, oh my, is it ever good.  So much better than the stuff they call cheese in the store.  You will never go back to storebought again, I promise you!!!

I found this recipe looking on the American Test Kitchen website.  Most of the ingredients you can get at your local grocery store.  There was only one ingredient that I had to buy on-line.  The recipe calls for "Whole Milk Powder" - NOT the nonfat milk powder in the stores.  I was going to use the nonfat but since the recipe said NOT to use it, I thought I better go ahead and order the Whole Milk Powder - here is a link
King Arthur Flour - Whole Milk Powder  - it isn't too expensive.  Trust me, after you make this cheese, you will be glad you ordered the powder!!

Onto the recipe . . .

Ingredients
1 T water
1 1/2 tsp powdered gelatin (like Knox - a packet of gelatin is 2 1/2 tsp)
12 ounces Colby cheese, shredded
1 T WHOLE MILK POWDER (not the nonfat powder!)
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of WHOLE milk

For the whole milk, I bought Organic Whole Milk.  Make sure it says WHOLE MILK on the label. 

First, line a 5 x 4 inch disposable aluminum loaf pan with plastic wrap, allowing the excess to hang over the edge.

Place water in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the top.  Set aside to let the gelatin dissolve and soften.  Pulse cheese, milk powder and cream of tartar in a food processor for about 1 minute.

Meanwhile, pour milk into a small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Taking the pan off the heat, stir in the softened gelatin until dissolved and transfer mixture to a 1 cup measuring cup.  With the processor running, pour the milk mixture into the cheese mixture until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Immediately, spoon the cheese mixture into the prepared pan, pressing to compact.  Wrap tightly and refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.  This will be the best American Cheese you have ever had!! 

It doesn't make a large loaf but enough to make several really great Grilled Cheese sandwiches!!  It was winner in our house!!